The RI Mobilization Committee to Stop War and Occupation (RIMC) has called for a public demonstration in support of the twenty-three activists who were subpoenaed to appear before a Federal Grand Jury on Tuesday(1/25/11) in Chicago. The rally will be held outside the Federal Building in Providence, also on Tuesday 1/25/11, from 5 to 6 PM. In the tradition of McCarthy era witch-hunting, these twenty-three victims of FBI/government repression have been called to testify regarding their political activities and associations.

Rather than reference to some sort of “communist” conspiracy, repression is now implemented through appeals to a cultivated fear of “terrorism”. All twenty three have stated in advance that they will refuse to appear despite the possibility of long jail sentences. Similar solidarity protests are being held around the country this week to oppose continued FBI/government intimidation of the antiwar movement and to defend the rights of dissent and freedom of speech.

Consistent with these fundamental freedoms, RIMC also demands that Bradley Manning be released and that Wikileaks be supported rather than persecuted. Exposing the unethical or immoral or criminal activities of those in power is only regarded as a crime by the ruling elite. Secrecy and the stifling of free speech are the enemies of democracy.